Although I don't have a dx that has been a major symptom. It was a bit more subtle, I just lost all feeling in that area - no pain or sensitivity to touch. I was inorgasmic for several years.

Eventually some feeling returned, it just hasn't been the same.

After my separation 3 years ago it hasn't been an issue because I don't have a partner, although I have experienced a buzzing feeling (numbness and tingling in that area) and my bowel has been incontinent for over a year.

Admittedly the numbness in that area and the discomfort from the spasticity did little for my marriage. But at my age, neither did menopause.

Thanks, friend. I don't know that there are a lot of us that have experienced this particular scenario, possibly because it likely only effects those with active (or previously active) spinal lesions. Fortunately a lot of people with MS don't ever face that . . . so hopefully you will stay in that group.

LA, I think sexual dysfunction is fairly common with MS, but not as much for the reasons I am experiencing. Fatigue, pain (in all areas), energy, dryness, moods, etc. . . . might all contribute to a lack of interest too. I think that perhaps the longer we have this disease, the more likely we could be to face these issues, although that is probably the luck of the draw too. My very first "known" attack included this paralysis and pain, and I was in my prime (age 31) at the time. It's been an intermittent problem for quite a while.

Do you notice other symptoms at the same time as the numbness there? It may be that those are times that you are going through an attack.

Thanks Snoopy . . . I thought this might have been an issue for you at times, since our disease process (and length of time with it) seems to be fairly similar.

My guy is patient as well, and also is very caring about the pain it can cause me. I hadn't ventured into a relationship for several years, partially for this reason. I still feel bad about it though.

Hi Cricket . . . nice to see you.

Yep it effects my bowels too, as you may recall from our prior discussions. I don't have the incontinence any more (that was a problem for years, with UC), but now the problem is the opposite. I did take to heart what you told me about that, and I am working hard at ensuring I do not leave this problem for lengthy periods . . . whatever it takes.

It is hard on a relationship, perhaps moreso with both "bottom" issues. If it's not one thing, it's another . . . so it takes a special person to be complacent with those obstacles. I wish I could be.

Thanks, Cherie

I have that problem.

it cropped up last summer, when I had a TN-type flare.

I had the netherworld-numbness before, and it went (mostly) away.

but THIS time, well, it's been 8 months, and it shows no signs of leaving.

I am grateful that the plumbing still all works, and the area lubricates properly, but I am unable to achieve orgasm with my husband, during intercourse.

our solution is to use a vibrating device (a cordless, rechargeable massage unit), which DOES still punch my ticket, so I get my desert first, and he gets his fun afterwards.

we've also had to adjust our positions, as my legs spazz out totally with the standard Missionary position... wang-chung go the hamstrings, and the calves go WAH !!

for most people, having MS needn't be the end of a happy sex life, one just must keep making adjustments.

and good communication with your partner is the key.

oh, and towels, lots of towels... and maybe even a mattress protector.

fear, worry and tension can stomp out even the biggest flame, so, plan ahead.

Having an illness and a house full of children and responsibilities does kind of suck a lot of interest out of a person! The Ms fatigue, vibrations, pain, discomfort......When my head hits the pillow I am OUT. I could stay in bed and sleep all day if someone would let me. Not to mention side effects from several medications I am on.

Yes, I do notice other things going on at the same time. When I had my first bout of ON last May I noticed a huge change in how my entire body felt. I had a lot of odd sensations. I think the heat of the summer made things worse. I started to improve and then I had another bout of ON and then my dx.

The Avonex is really making my life difficult right now because of the side effects. I have about 3 good days during the week. The rest of the week I am dealing with side effects.

I hope things start to settle down once I get used to the Avonex. I just took my 4th injection this week. The stress and busyness of my life sucks the interest right out of me. The lack of sensation makes it even worse.

I do have hope this will pass again like it did before. Thankfully there is not total numbness.

I do have bladder issues. Bowels issues also. I have spent the last 5 year of my life adjusting my diet, losing weight, making changes here and there trying to deal with my bowel issues. I was determined to figure out why I was not feeling well and fix it. I have times where I could not imagine having to live another 30+ years feeling the way I do. My body is not well.. I have a dx of IBS after going through some testing to see what was wrong. My doctor actually thought I had Chrons and then possibly Celiac.

Then there are the hormone changes I am sure I am starting to experence being I am about 6 days away from my 45th birthday. No wonder Ms is so hard to DX!!

He first mentioned the possibility of MS back when I was going through the tests for these other problems. He was hoping one of these two would show up because they are a little easier to dx than MS in certian situations.

So, anyway. It all has to be tied together....I think.

LA



LA, I think sexual dysfunction is fairly common with MS, but not as much for the reasons I am experiencing. Fatigue, pain (in all areas), energy, dryness, moods, etc. . . . might all contribute to a lack of interest too. I think that perhaps the longer we have this disease, the more likely we could be to face these issues, although that is probably the luck of the draw too. My very first "known" attack included this paralysis and pain, and I was in my prime (age 31) at the time. It's been an intermittent problem for quite a while.

Do you notice other symptoms at the same time as the numbness there? It may be that those are times that you are going through an attack.

I have patchy numbness in the nether regions, and it does affect things. It takes me a lot longer to get there than it used to. I think perhaps the touch nerves are broken, but not the sexy nerves? It's fortunate that I have a patient and loving husband.

I also have experienced problems. It is really embarrassing to have to ask your PCP to check to see if the yeast infection the Urologist's nurse caught had gone away like it was supposed to! I couldn't feel the darn thing! And if you are a woman, you know that isn't too hard to dx on your own!!! LOL

I do believe the whole weirdo scenario lasted a few months...I am not sure when all the sensation came back....

Anyway, you aren't alone!

Thank you ladies for being brave enough to talk about this. I don't feel as alone with it.

Cherie